A 22-year-old man has appeared before a crown court judge charged with the murder of Workington man Daniel McMullen.

Calvin James Patrickson, of Newlands Gardens, who appeared this afternoon at Carlisle Crown Court via a video link, spoke only to confirm his name and say that he could hear the barrister and court clerk.

The defendant - wearing a pale blue open-necked shirt - sat listening quietly throughout the hearing.

Judge Peter Davies ruled that he will face a trial - likely to last five days - which will start on June 26, though that date is provisional.

The charge alleges that Patrickson murdered Mr McMullen, of Beech Court, on Saturday, January 7.

Mr McMullen was pronounced dead on that day after being found injured at his home.

The case was referred to Carlisle Crown Court by magistrates in Workington on Monday morning.

Judge Davies remanded the defendant in custody until his next court hearing, which will also be conducted with the defendant via a video link.

The defendant was not asked during the hearing to enter his plea.

That is likely to happen at a hearing in the coming weeks.

Nor has it yet been decided which judge will ultimately deal with the case.

Watching the proceedings were a number of police officers who are involved with the case - including two family liaison officers - as well as relatives of Mr McMullen.